Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto

The cultural immersion

Kyoto reveals itself slowly: quiet mornings, neighborhood shrines and the turn of each season.

A destination where living there offers a different experience from sightseeing.

A weeping cherry tree in blossom over a lane of traditional Kyoto houses

Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov
Suggested stay: 1–2 months
Long-stay homes: Moderate
Private arrival: Osaka Kansai (KIX)

Mondetto Sensory

A sense of Kyoto

Sensory details you won’t experience anywhere else, and only really notice when you stay awhile.

Taste

Yudofu near Nanzen-jiSimmered tofu, simple and perfect on a cold day.

Wagashi that change with the monthSweets shaped for the season, never the same twice.

Hamo in summerPike conger, the taste of Gion Matsuri season.

See

Moss gardens after rainEvery shade of green, deepest in June.

The Daimonji fireA giant character burning on the mountainside every 16 August.

Maple leaves in temple pondsLate November, reflected red.

Hear

Higurashi cicadas at duskA clear, ringing call that marks the end of a summer day.

Temple bells on New Year’s EveRung 108 times at midnight.

Bamboo creaking in the windIn the groves of Arashiyama, early, before the crowds.

Feel

Tatami under bare feetFirm, cool, faintly springy.

Stepping stones across the Kamo RiverThe turtle-shaped stones at Demachiyanagi.

Dining over a river in summerPlatforms built above the water at Kibune.

Smell

Hojicha roastingDrifting from tea shops along the street.

Incense at a neighborhood templeA small one, not on the tourist map.

Hinoki cypressThe fragrant wood of a traditional bath.

Best time to go

BestGoodBetter avoided

48°F

34°F2.1 inJan

50°F

34°F2.6 inFeb

57°F

39°F4.2 inMar

68°F

48°F4.6 inApr

77°F

57°F5.9 inMay

82°F

66°F8.4 inJun

90°F

73°F8.7 inJul

93°F

75°F5.2 inAug

84°F

68°F7.8 inSep

73°F

55°F4.3 inOct

63°F

45°F2.8 inNov

54°F

37°F1.9 inDec

Bars show the typical daily high; beneath each are the typical low and monthly rain. Climate figures are approximate monthly averages.

Through the year

Cherry blossomLate March to early April

Gion MatsuriJuly

Jidai Matsuri22 October

Autumn leavesMid to late November

Recurring events. Confirm exact dates with official calendars before you book.

Better avoided

Jun–Aug

June and July bring the rainy season; August is hot and humid.

Where to base yourself

The base you choose shapes the whole stay. Three we would consider for a long stay, and what you trade for each.

Higashiyama

Historic lanes and temples: the Kyoto of postcards.

Suits: Living inside the history
The trade-off: Crowds in peak seasons

Downtown (Nakagyō)

Central, near Nishiki Market and good transport.

Suits: Convenience and food
The trade-off: Busier and more urban

Okazaki

Museums, canals and quiet streets in the east.

Suits: Calm and culture
The trade-off: Fewer everyday shops

Find a home in Kyoto

Our homes in Kyoto are coming soon.We’re preparing a small collection of homes suited to weeks and months here: room for your people, a place to work, and minimum stays that fit a long stay. Until then, you can browse long-stay homes on Plum Guide.

Browse homes on Plum Guide

Getting there

The right arrival airport makes the first day of a long stay easier. Private aviation is worth it for a long stay with more people and more luggage.

Plan the journey to Kyoto

Main international: Osaka Kansai (KIX)
Private aviation: Osaka Kansai (KIX); Osaka Itami (ITM) for domestic flights
Worth knowing: Kyoto has no airport. Kansai is about 75 minutes away by express train.